Sharanu Sharanarthi!
Team Baandhavya wishes everyone a very happy Deepavali! The celebration of good over evil and
enlightenment over darkness all around and inward, along with prayers for success have all been grand
and sincere amidst us. Spiritual transformation is on the rise and by following Basavanna’s principles we all
take along the fraternity with us in this progress.

ಅಯ್ಯಾ, ನಿಮ್ಮ ಶರಣರ ದಯಸಕ ೋಹಕ್ಕೆ
ಎನ್ನ ತನ್ುಮ್ನ್ಧನ್ವಲಸದಂತಕ ಮಯಡಯ್ಯಾ.
ತನ್ು ದಯಸಕ ೋಹಕ್ಕೆ ಉಬ್ುುವಂತಕ ಮಯಡು,
ಮ್ನ್ ದಯಸಕ ೋಹಕ್ಕೆ ಲೋಯವಹಂತಕ ಮಯಡು,
ಧನ್ ದಯಸಕ ೋಹಕ್ಕೆ ಸವಕದು, ನಿಮ್ಮ ಶರಣರ ಪ್ರಸಯದದಲಿ
ನಿರಂತರ ಆಡಿ ಹಯಡಿ, ನಕ ೋಡಿ ಕ ಡಿ, ಭಯವಿಸಿ ಸುಖಿಸಿ,
ಪ್ರಿಣಯಮಿಸುವಂತಕ ಮಯಡು, ಕ ಡಲಸಂಗಮ್ದಕೋವಯ
We would also like to congratulate the newly elected board members of Central VSNA and pertinent local
chapters. The enthusiasm in coming forward to lead this august organization to greater heights is much
appreciated by members far and wide.
We are excited to present to you the next edition of Baandhavya. We are very grateful to the keen members
who have added spiritual value to this edition. As always, our efforts have been to present worthy articles
for VSNA members and to keep one another connected and motivated. The Sharana spirit will only glow
brighter with each other’s gracious company at every occasion.
Please continue to enrich this newsletter with your esteemed contributions. Kindly encourage the youth to
make time to send their contributions as well by tapping their literary and artistic flavors.
Thank you and best regards,
Supriya Antin Kaddargi

4

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

Dear VSNA Members,
I am pleased to announce the release of the third quarter VSNA Newsletter - Baandhavya. Our editorial team
Supriya Antin and Channu Kambalyal have done yet spectacular job of releasing the VSNA newsletter. I do
appreciate our writers for their invaluable contributions to the newsletter. I encourage others especially the
youngsters to express their views and experiences in this newsletter. Let me emphasis that this is the medium
wherein we can get connected. So please feel free to participate in Baandhavya.
Regarding the 2015 VSNA convention, we are yet to finalize on the chapter to host the convention. We are
looking for a chapter that has not hosted for the last 10 years. I am confident we will be able to motivate and
mobilize support from one of the large chapter.
I am glad to mention that the current BOD will be successfully completing their term on December 31, 2014. I
take this opportunity to thank my fellow officers, BOD members, chapter presidents and other seniors for their
support and guidance during the past 2 years.
The new team headed by Mr. Channu Kambalyal will take charge of VSNA starting January 1, 2015. I wish
Channu and his team all the best for their future endeavors for the organization.
Sincerely
Vijay Kumar
President, VSNA

5

Shivayoga Mandira
Circa 1800’s: It had been more than 600 years since the revolution by Shivasharanas under the inspiration of
Guru Basavanna. That revolution had magnetically set in a beautiful era with simple yet elegant practices of
Lingayath philosophy but the wheel of time had rendered a much diluted society again where sustaining that
same fervor of Basavanna and other Sharanas of his order had ceased to persist. Illiteracy was on the increase
and superstitions were back and rampantly ingrained in the society. The legacy was already rich with the
doctrines laid out, the literature enriched by Sharanas in the form of vachanas and shoonya sampadane and
more than anything else, lingayaths had donned the ishta lingas or at least possessed the awareness of the
philosophy. All the same, that legacy’s influence did not have the same bearing on the society as it once did. In
the centuries traversed, there certainly must have been many ascents of spiritual gurus who attempted to
resurrect the lost principles but the restoration of that good faith needed more than just a leader to keep the
influence going. What was in need was institutionalizing it all over again from a grass-root level.
In such times of decline was born a superior sage, Sri. Hanagal Kumaraswamiji in Haveri district, Karnataka in
the year 1867. It takes a lifetime to enlighten oneself and to take along the society as well on that path, and to
realize a vision of sustaining it calls for a supreme visionary in a saint. Such was the distinction of this saint. His
was a dream of the society progressing and for that progress he believed in the power of imparting Shivayoga
as envisioned by Basavanna. Mutts were still the medium to enable this societal transformation but their focus
was not in the direction of achieving social welfare. They had tended to becoming independent bodies with
personal agendas overtaking the larger spiritual interest of the society. Cohesion was lacking between these
mutts since there were no channels to interact with one another for enabling exchanges of spiritual ideas and
scaling successful work to greater heights. Sri. Hanagal Kumaraswamiji who was widely traveling to meet with
other seers of his time in his spiritual journey had concluded the need for reviving the mutts with proficient seers,
whose orientation had to be to realign dharma to Lingayath principles to bring back the spirit of Dasoha, social
equality, educate and uplift the society overall. Also to keep these mutts and seers coherent, Swamiji felt an
establishment like Anubhava Mantapa was required again to engage in spiritual discussions and endeavors on
a larger scale. Thence were founded two significant establishments by Sri. Hanagal Kumaraswamiji - Akhila
Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha in the year 1904 & Shivayoga Mandira in the year 1909.
Shivayoga Mandira, the result of that spiritual conception stands tall today as a Lingayath gurukul bejeweling the
society with credentialed seers who receive exemplary training in all facets of Lingayath dharma along with
regular education as provided in schools.
Situated along the banks of Malaprabha River near Badami in Bagalkot district, in a pristine setting, Shivayoga
Mandira is the perfect grooming ground for sadhakas. The air in Shivayoga mandira brims with spirituality. Boys
are admitted into this institute under the age of 12 years. Students aged 8 to 12 years are called ‘Vatus’ or
‘Aryas.’ The ones older than 12 years are known as ‘Sadhakas’ who go on to become ‘Deshikas.’ These students
are residential and undergo a rigorous term in this gurukul. From 4 am to 10 pm, their daily routine spans
practicing all the Ashtavaranas of Lingayath dharma which include Ishta Linga Pooja, yoga, studying vachanas,
performing different duties as a part of kayaka, numerous dasoha activities, learning Sanskrit and various
scriptures along with regular school subjects in Kannada. All the students are provided the all-round exposure
to a life of a pontiff which helps them to be voluntarily inclined towards adopting the path of spirituality. In addition
to advancing themselves on this path, they are also privileged to benefit from the company of senior pontiffs and
saints who have made a mark in the spiritual field and keep visiting Shivayoga mandira. In any instance of a
student showing an inclination towards leading a normal familial life, he is encouraged to return to his family. So,
the core group of these students are sincere aspirants who have the spiritual spark in them. The students who
are on the verge of completing this basic training are called ‘Maridevaru’ and when they are ready to serve the
6

society, different mutts and senior pontiffs select them to join mutts, where they learn administrative skills and
serve the society in their own capacity. The exquisite training the students receive eventually gets translated to
good work done through sustaining the tenets of Basava tatvas. So far many established mutts in Maharashtra,
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have appointed pontiffs from Shivayoga mandira.
Apart from the gurukul, holiness of cows is upheld in Shivayoga mandira too. Shivayoga mandira also houses a
big goshala - shelter for cows. There is also a Vibhuti manufacturing facility on the premises where the vibhuti
or bhasma is classically prepared using the dung from the goshala. These vibhutis are world famous since they
are prepared traditionally with no adulteration of any kind.
Shivayoga mandira’s leading light is still Sri. Hanagal Kumaraswamiji’s blessings whose compelling integrity for
a spiritually groomed society continue to influence the aspirants there.
Swamiji’s samadhi in Shivayoga mandira is a reassuring holy destination for us all.
Sri. Hanagal Kumaraswamiji

About the author: Smt. Supriya Antin Kaddargi is banking professional and an active VSNA member from Chicago
chapter. She has authored the book 'Spiritual Transcendence', a biography of Sri. Jadeya Shantalingeshwara
Swamiji.

8

Vīraśaiva and Liṅgᾱyata
Linga Raju, M. D
Plainview, NY
Vīraśaivas are also called Liṅgᾱyatas, and the two terms are commonly used interchangeably. The question then
arises as to why this is so, and whether there is any difference between the use of the two terms.
Śūnya Saṁpᾱdane texts are considered as the main scriptures of the Vīraśaivas/Liṅgᾱyatas. The referenced
Śūnya Saṁpᾱdane book (1) which has 1,543 original Vaĉanas, uses the term Vīraśaiva, and also the term
Vīraśaivism, all over its five volumes. But the term Liṅgᾱyata does not appear there. The term Liṅga appears
there more than 584 times; and the other terms such as Liṅgadhᾱraṇa, Liṅgapūja, Liṅgasthala, Liṅgavanta,
Liṅgᾱṅga-sᾱmarasya, and Liṅgaikya, also come there, but not the term Liṅgᾱyata.
A good explanation of the two terms and the terms’ usage is given in Professor Sakhare’s book (2, 3). One
chapter entitled ‘Vīraśaiva and Liṅgᾱyata’ in his book is dedicated for this purpose; it is as follows.
The term ‘Vīraśaiva’ has been etymologically defined and elaborately explained in treatises and literature of the
religion. The term ‘Vīraśaivism’ is of the same age as that of the origin of that religion itself, whenever that might
be. But the origin of the word ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ is not only obscure but also conspicuously absent in religious literature,
and is neither defined nor explained therein. The term ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ is comparatively a later one to have come into
vogue, and it prominently expresses the followers of Vīraśaivism, and signifies unmistakably those who wear on
their bodies the holy Liṅga (Iṣṭaliṅga). The word ‘Vīraśaiva’ does not bring out the idea of Liṅga worn on the body
as strikingly as the word ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ does. The term ‘Vīraśaiva’ is less common in ordinary language, but the
term ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ is ordinarily more common and more known. That is why, Professor Sakhare says, the term
‘Liṅgᾱyata’ is used in the title of his book.
Professor Sakhare, then, gives his opinion and explanation of the origin of the word ‘Liṅgᾱyata’. He believes that
it is derived from the Sanskrit compound word ‘Liṅgavat’ which means ‘one who possesses Liṅga’; the word
‘Liṅgavaṅtaḥ’, being the nominative pleural, applies to many individuals who possess Liṅga. The two Sanskrit
words, he says, must have been first used by the educated few, but in course of time, it must have come to be
used by the ordinary folk. As the language of the local people was Kannaḍa, the Kannaḍa word ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ must
have been derived from those two Sanskrit words. He states that, such is his explanation, and that he cannot
quote an authority on it in the books of the past times. He also states that the word ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ has been spoken
of derisively by some, to denigrate the wearers of Liṅga.
He continues: the term ‘Vīraśaiva is more extensive because it includes Ᾱrᾱdhyas who form a class or a
community, whereas the term ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ does not include the Ᾱrᾱdhyas. The Ᾱrᾱdhyas call themselves
Vīraśaivas and not Liṅgᾱyatas; they profess the practice of Vīraśaivism, and in addition they retain some of the
Brᾱhminical rites and rituals which are not accepted by the Liṅgᾱyatas. Professor Sakhare then states that when
the terms Vīraśaiva and Vīraśaivism, and also Liṅgᾱyata and Liṅgᾱyatism are used in his book, they are used
as coextensive and convertible terms, with the exclusion of the Ᾱrᾱdhyas.
Under the subtitle ‘Śaivism and Vīraśaivism’ in the same chapter, he starts by saying that Vīraśaivism is a division
or a subdivision of Śaivism, and that it is an integral and distinct part of Śaivism. Then he states that Vīraśaivism
has grown out of Śaivism, and has made itself a distinct religious entity. He states that Vīraśaivism/Liṅgᾱyatism,
being a distinct entity, deserves to be counted and mentioned along with other major religions of the world.

9

It is to be noted that Professor Sakhare does not use the term ‘Iṣṭaliṅga’ in this chapter; he exclusively uses the
term ‘Liṅga’ to mean ‘Iṣṭaliṅga’ in his discussion.
References:
1. ŚŪNYASAṀPĀDANE. Volumes I through V. Published by Karnatak University, Dharwar, India.
2. History and Philosophy of Lingāyat Religion. M. R. Sakhare. 1978 Karnatak University, Dharwad,
Karnataka, India
3. Commentary on Professor M. R. Sakhare’s Book ‘History and Philosophy of Liṅgᾱyat Religion’ A Critical
Review. Linga Raju, M. D., Sid-Asha Publishing Company, Edison, NJ 08817. 2014

About the author: Dr. Linga Raju, M.D. is VSNA life member, native of Davaṇagere, India. Dr. Raju is a
prominent Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Diseases physician. He has written spiritual publications - “A
Journey through Hindu and Vīraśaiva Concepts’, and ‘SIDDHĀNTA ŚIKHĀMAṆ; The one hundred one sthala
doctrine A concise composition’.

“Pilgrimage…?”
Why go to holy places
when you have the linga on your body?
If the linga on your body touches installed linga,
I cannot say which is great, which small!
People perished not knowing
the absolute that is beyond the reach of speech.
Your head becomes pure
by bowing to the jangama;
your hand becomes pure
by worshipping the linga.
Do not show me a breaker of vows,
who, ignoring the linga on the body,
bows to a distant linga,
Koodala Chennasangayya. -653 [*]
[*] Number indicates at the end of each Vachana is from the book "Vachana", pub: Basava Samiti Bangalore 2012 .

10

Kaayakave Kailasa
Vinay Hiremath
Detroit, Michigan

What does kaayakave kailaasa ‘Work is Worship’ mean in the religious sense? As Sri Basaveshwara wrote in
the 12th century C.E., ‘yenna kaale kamba dehave degula shirave honna kaLashavayya sthaavarakkaLivuntu
jangamakkaLivilla’ which means ‘My legs are the pillars, my body the temple, and my head the golden spire.
That which is immobile is transient. That which is mobile is not.'
Worship is typically described as a variety of ceremonies expressing the love and devotion attributed to a deity.
An essential part of this definition is the love that the worshipper feels toward his or her particular God, which is
known to us in Hinduism as the concept of bhakti. However, to what extent are these aspects of love and devotion
towards a higher being able to be expressed in one’s work, and where is this applied in today’s world? As the
Chinese philosopher Confucius once stated, ‘Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in
your life.’ The enticing nature of well-paying jobs is overshadowed by their respective downsides if you do not
love the profession itself. As with attaining bhakti, truly loving the work you do, whether it be your profession or
your hobby, requires an unwavering interest and craving to improve your skills. By studying this aspect alone,
the similarity between work and worship is clear; both require devotion to what is being done, bringing truth to
the phrase ‘work is worship.’
Another crucial aspect is the purity in worship itself that can be applied to work as well. Work should be done in
the purest possible manner to earn an honest living. Instead of taking shortcuts, a personal code of work ethics
must be practiced that remains unviolated.
Lastly, worship often brings a sense of pride due to its societal implications. When one worships dutifully, he or
she becomes a respected member in the society. This evokes a sense of pride in the worshipper when the
society recognizes this, which applies to work as well when it is done with supreme devotion and the thought
that ‘work is worship.’ The outcome of such work done with devotion is superior to work done without such
thought, and the process of performing this work is also immensely satisfying to the individual. Work done
selflessly with pure intentions for the betterment of the society is, according to Sri Basaveshwara, to be
considered equivalent or superior to worshipping God, and thus the phrase ‘work is worship’ is as relevant today
as it was several centuries ago.

About the author: Vinay Hiremath is an active VSNA youth member from the Michigan Chapter. Vinay is
alumni of International Academy in Bloomfield Hills, MI, a reputed school of Michigan, and was accepted into
the prestigious High School Honors Science Program (HSHSP) hosted at Michigan State University.

Who is Akka Nagamma?
Akkanagamma aka Nagalambike was the sister of Jagatjyoti Basaveshwara and only daughter to her parents
Maadarasa and Maadalambike of Bagewadi in present day Bijapur district. She had great influence over
Basavanna. Naagalambike was married to Shivadeva, their only son is none other than Chennabasavanna.
Akka Nagamma was one of the leaders of Lingayath community. She was popularly called Akka ~ elder sister.
Akka was a guiding light to Basaveshwara who served as a minister in King Bijjala's kingdom in Kalyana (present
day Basva Kalyana in Bidar district).
What was Akka's contribution to the Lingayath community and society?
Akka was an active participant in Sharana meetings and spiritual debates & discussions at Anubhavamantapa
and Mahamane. Akka was instrumental in protecting Vachana Sahitya and organizing Sharanas escape from
Kalyana when Bijjala's army rises against the Sharanas. Akka along with hundreds of Sharanas leaves Kalyana,
travels south towards Ulavi, then a part of Kadamba kingdom. Akka, Chennabasavanna, Gangambike and
Dohara Kakkayya lead group is chased by Bijjala's soldiers. Sharanas and Bijjala;s soldiers engage in a battle
at Kadrolli, soldiers lose and retreat. Gangambike attains Aikya in Malaprabha river near Itgi village. Dohara
Kakkayya is injured in the battle, he proceeds towards Ulavi via Alnavar route. Akka and Chennabasavanna lead
another group towards Dharwad where they camp for few days at Basappana Gudda, presently known as Ulavi
Basaveshwara Gudda. After a break they continue their journey towards Ulavi where Chennabasavanna camps.
Akka continues her journey southwards towards Banavasi.

Where is Akka's Aikyasthala?
Akka travels further south and attains Aikya at Yenne Holae near Tarikere in Chikkamagalur district. Legend
says that Akka camped at a temple next a stream. There was no oil for the lamp but Akka used stream water
instead of oil and lit a lamp. Hence the stream is known by the name Yenne Holae. Yenne means oil and Holae
means stream or river.
Having visited Aikyasthalas of Basavanna at Kudala Sangama, Chennabasavanna at Ulavi, Gangambike
memorial near Kittur,Neelambike memorial near Tangadgi and Dohara Kakkayya temple near Kakkeri I wanted
to see Akka's Aikyasthala at Yeene Holae too. I heard about it from Dr. Manjunath. Also, Mom had told me Yenne
Holae is on the outskirts of Tarikere but she had not seen the place herself. I had imagined a temple next to a
stream.
March 17, 2014:
I had camped at Badhravati at MPM Guest House Paper in Paper Town very close to our first home. The colony
had hardly changed, I saw our house, the trees, our street.. it was like time had stood still there. Plan for the
morning was to visit Tarikere to see Amruteshwara temple and Yenne Hole.
The state highway connecting Badhravati and Tarikere is in excellent condition, the drive was a breeze. At
Tarikere, locating Yenne Hole required some effort because few people seem to know such a place existed.
12

With a small mistake in inquiring I almost went to Yenne Hole Matha, a Brahman matha. Anyway we managed
to locate the place following the directions of an elderly person. First I wasn't sure if this place was the right
location.. a small temple is pitiable condition.

To add to the plight, the shrine's door was locked. I decided to check it out; first I tried the door - no use.

Then went to the side, a window, through it could see a Shivalinga on a pedestal. Good to see the inside was
clean and tidy, fresh flowers said that pooja was performed in the morning. Hope pooja is done daily, not just
Mondays.

13

This is a Shiva temple, fine but how do I know this place is indeed Akka's Aikyasthala? I looked down at the
stone tablet, hoping to get some confirmation. Yes! The tablet does say this is MahaSharane Akkanagamma
Shivayoga Samadhi Kshetra.

That's Ravi the cab driver. He too felt bad about this place. Very close to the temple was a Bilva Patri tree. Close
to it were idols of Ganesha and Shanmugha, installed on pedestals in the open (see inset).

Akka's Aikyasthala is situated next to areca plantation and a mango orchard. Open space in the foreground is
paddy field, barren during summer months.

On the way back, I took a shot of the board on the main road, pointing direction to Akka's Samadhi.
14

Having done with the two spots at Tarikere we drive back towards Bhadravati, I was eager to visit my school St. Charles Borromeo Convent.
Source: http://karnatakatravel.blogspot.in/2014/09/akka-nagamma-aikya-sthala-yenne-hole.html

About the author: Siddeshwar Prasad is Information Technology consultant with two decades of

collective experience from managerial roles in manufacturing and information technology
industries. Siddeshwar is a member of India blogger with contributions such as Journeys Across
Karnataka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi later addressed the students of the matt to devote 100 hours per year of their time
towards his “Clean India Campaign (Swachha Bharat Abhiyan)”, a concept aligned to “Kayaka”.

16

Central VSNA Updates
37th VSNA Annual Convention â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Highlights
The Texas-North VSNA Chapter successfully hosted the 37th VSNA Annual convention on July 4-5, 2014 in
Dallas, TX, with more than 500 attendees. Here are few photos from the convention. For numerous other photos
and videos, please see links provided on the back cover of this newsletter. Also look forward to the Convention
Souvenir that will be distributed via mail to all attendees and life members in the near future.

17

18

19

Central VSNA 2015-16 - BOD & BOR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Election Results
Following VSNA Officers and Members Board of Directors for 2015-2016 and Members, Board of Regents for a
3 year term. The election was supervised by election committee consisting of 3 members - G. Doddamani (MI),
S. Munavalli (SC) and G. Budibetta (FL).
Board of Directors*

Board of Regents

1

Channu Kambalyal

President

IL

Laxmi Hiremath

2015 - 2018

CA

2

Mamatha Hirannaiah

Vice President

GA

Rajeev Kumar

2013 - 2016

IL

3

Leena K. Paul

Secretary

MD

Dada Patil

2013 - 2016

CA

4

Irappa Arabhavi

Treasurer

MA

Uma Sajjan

2015 - 2018

MI

5

B. S. Nanjundappa

Member

PA

Shylendra Kumar

2015 - 2018

MA

6

Neetha Dhananjaya

Member

IL

Jayashree Jagadeesh

2015 - 2018

MD

7

Yuvaraj Patil

Member

TO

Rohini Mensinkai

2015 - 2018

TO

8

Nayantara Swamy

Member

FL

(*) Two vacancies in Board of Directors are yet to be filled in.

VSNA Matrimony Site
A new VSNA Matrimony Site was inaugurated by the Swamiji during the VSNA Convention. The site is now
open and users may register online at: http://matrimony.vsna.org

20

VSNA Local Chapters Updates
VSNA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DC & Virginia Chapter
Over 45 families with over 100 VSNA VA-DC chapter members attended the 'Ganesh Chaturthi' Celebrations on
Saturday, Sept 20th between 5:00 to 9:00 PM held at 'Cascade Library' 46261 Cranston Street, Sterling, Virginia.
In this event we had few great programs - public speaking contest on our core theme of "Veerashaivism", quiz
competition on Indian and American cultures, as well as fancy dress competition for Kids.
The chapter members paid the homage to our senior member for Mr. Sadanand Desai who departed us on June
19th. The event was concluded with tasty Dinner prepared by our chapter families.

21

VSNA - Detroit Chapter
This quarter, the Detroit Chapter started with the sad note of a farewell party for the Prabhu and Ashwini Patil
family, who were longtime members of our chapter and were very actively involved in our chapter activities. We
miss their presence here as they moved to Dallas, Texas, but we wish them good luck with their future endeavors!
In August, we organized a summer picnic at Stoney Creek Metro Park, and the weather was fortunately perfect
with families including children enjoying the games and festivities. The highlight of the day was delicious Chaat,
Pav Bhaji and Pakoda with Masala Tea.
In September, we had a new addition to our VSNA family with the birth of Jovan Rai, born on September 2 to
proud parents Nitya and Sukhi Rai and Grandmother Mrs. Dakshayini Ganesh of the Detroit Chapter. Also in
September, we celebrated our chapter's Gowri Ganesha event with childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment including songs as
well as an excellent presentation on 'Veerashaiva Philosophy' by Bharathi Sullabele and 'Our Journey of
Sharanas' on Allama Prabhu by Prabhu Setru.

22

VSNA – Chicago Chapter
The VSNA Chicago Chapter celebrated 2 events this quarter - Annual Summer Picnic and Ganesh Chaturthi.
The annual picnic was held on Sunday, July 27th 2014, 11.00 – 3.00 at Deer Grove Park, Palatine, and over 100
members joined to enjoy the Chicago Summer. The event was sponsored by Srishail & Shilpa Hadimani,
Basavaraj & Veena Hullur, Rajendra and Neelambika Hattarki, and Amit & Supriya Kaddargi. Some of the
highlights (photos) can be viewed online at – 2014-VSNA-Chicago-Picnic.
The second event of the chapter was the Ganesh Chaturthi program on September 20, 2014, 6:00 to 10:00 pm
at Itasca Park District. The event was sponsored by Dr. Chandramauli & Rajani Family in celebration of the birth
of their grandson. The major event of the program was Hindustani Classical musical concert by Vidusha Radha
Desai. Other highlights of the program were Linga Puja by Children under guidance of Srishail Hadimani,
Convention Updates by Nandish Dhananjaya, Central VSNA Updates by Channu Kambalyal and Children
programs MCed by youth – Meghana Basavaraju, Shailesh Vhasure, and Chaitra Kishore. The photos of the
Ganesh Chaturthi program can be viewed online at – 2014-VSNA-Chicago-Ganesh-Chaturthi.

23

VSNA North Carolina Updates
VSNA-NC chapter members met at 4:30 P. M. on Saturday, September 6, 2014 in Dominion Park Clubhouse to
celebrate the Gowri-Ganesha festival. The celebration began with prayers followed by the group Linga Pooja.
The Linga Pooja was led by Dr. Jayraj Kalmat. He also recited a Vachana and then explained the meaning of
the Vachana and its relevance to our daily life. He also talked about the significance of each of the steps in the
Linga Pooja. Then, the Ganesha Pooja was performed. The children and adults together sang the Lord Ganesha
prayers. Nihaanth Kaggere and Ayush Sunil sang a Ganesh song. Praneel Hawaldar played the Thabala for the
song. Moumitha Balakundi chanted a Ganesh Stotra. Pranav Yogeesha sang a devotional song. Aarati was
done by the families. The ladies performed the Gowri Pooja. The Prasad was distributed to the members. The
open forum began with a minute silence in memory of one of the founding members of VSNA NC chapter Mr.
Sadanand Desai who passed away in June in VA. Dr. Shivappa Palled, President of the Chapter, summarized
the 37th VSNA Convention that was held in Dallas, Texas on July 5 and 6, 2014. He also mentioned that the
VSNA is looking for a chapter to host the next convention. He urged the members to think of hosting one of the
future conventions. The main topic of discussion was the involvement of youths and children in the chapter
activities. Several members spoke on this issue. Dr. Anil Tumbapura presented a proposal to get involve all
children in the programs. The members liked his proposal. Dr. Anil Tumbapura, Mrs. Reshma Tharuvesanchi,
and Mr. Ravi Kalmath volunteered for the project. Dr. Shivappa Palled introduced the new members and the
visiting guests. The Members enjoyed the delicious dinner prepared by the ladies. The members also delighted
by the 25th Anniversary photo slide show presentation. Dr. Shivappa Palled thanked ladies for cooking the
delicious food. He also thanked Kiran and Girija Hawaldar for renting the Clubhouse and also for their
contribution to the event. Finally, he thanked the NC board members and others for their help and support. The
event ended at 9:00 PM.
Submitted by: Shivappa Palled, President, VSNA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NC Chapter.

24

VSNA Florida Chapter Updates

The VSNA Florida Chapter is pleased to announce the latest addition. Basavaraj &
Shobha Devarashetty of Tampa, Florida were blessed with son, Sidhan on
September 4, 2014.

*****
**
*

Concept of God
A stone god is no god,
a clay god is no god,
a wooden god is no god,
the god made of five metals is no god,
the god in Sethu Rameshwara,
Gokarna, Kashi, Kedara and such
Eighty six million holy places is no god.
If a person knows himself
realizes who he is, he is himself god
Apramaana Koodalasangamadeva -2444*
[*] Number indicates at the end of each Vachana is from the book "Vachana", pub: Basava Samiti Bangalore 2012.